Susie Wolff - Photo: Race Pictures

'He stood up to speak’: Susie Wolff on Hamilton in FIA dispute

19:06, 28 Oct

byNorberto Mujica

Susie Wolff has highlighted the importance of Lewis Hamilton's support as the Scot former driver's defamation fight against the FIA continues.

In 2023 the FIA launched an investigation into a potential conflict of interest prompted by Toto Wolff's role as Mercedes team principal and CEO, and Mrs. Wolff's position as the managing director of F1 Academy, the all-female junior open wheel racing series.

Mrs. Wolff then hit back filing a criminal complaint against the FIA in the French courts on 4 March.

The case, which Mrs. Wolff recently confirmed was still ongoing, was met with fierce support from then Mercedes driver Hamilton, which the F1 Academy manging director still praises the seven-time world champion for.

She said on the High Performance podcast: "Well, I think Lewis is always someone that's been willing to use his own voice for good and has always been someone who's always seen a wider picture of what his influence can have a positive impact.

"And sometimes it's easier to take the trodden path that everyone else does. But he's absolutely forged his own path and he's had such a big impact in the sport.

Photo: RacePictures.

"It was no surprise for me that he was one to stand up and speak. Because he's always the one that stands up to speak when there's something to be said, or when something hasn't been said, but needs to be said.

"And I don't think he sometimes gets enough credit for that. He's turned that walk into the paddock into a catwalk. He's played a part in making Formula One culture living just outside of motorsport and sport.

"I do think he's someone that has a very powerful voice and uses it for good. And others should take some inspiration from that," she concluded.

Defamation case vs the fight is 'ongoing'

Regarding the active nature of the defamation case she filed in the French courts, Mrs. Wolff said in conversation with The Times: "I refused to be treated that way.

"It created a huge amount of articles doubting my integrity."

"People can have their opinions on [whether] what I do is good or not," Wolff continued. "But that’s something I won’t allow to happen, that people attack my integrity."

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